Marlowe Ann Belanger

Saturday

Sep 29, 2012 at 3:13 PM

Marlowe Ann Belanger passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012, while surrounded by her children at her home in Rogers Township.

Marlowe Ann Belanger passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012, while surrounded by her children at her home in Rogers Township. She is survived by her son, Brian (Katrina) of Royal Oak and daughter, Anne of Rogers Township; two grandchildren, Brandon and Noelle; brother, Robert Sutherin of Traverse City. Mrs. Belanger was preceded in death by her husband, Roger on Jan. 22, 2007.Marlowe Belanger’s given name was Marlowe Sutherin and she was named after two well-known theatre actors during the early 20th century, Julia Marlowe and Martin Sutherin, after she was born on June 18, 1928. Who would have imagined how her connection to the arts would transcend her entire life. As a young woman, her involvement in the arts began when she was a performing singer with the Madrigal Club of Detroit. While she was with the group Marlowe was introduced to Gov. George Romney, who encouraged her to form an arts agency. That was the impetus for her to form the Farmington Arts Council in 1969. She went on to help form the Oakland County Arts Council. She broke barriers in 1979 when she became the first arts administrator in the State of Michigan appointed by Gov. Milliken. Through the years, she helped many artists through who mentoring efforts. She was a strong advocate as a volunteer in the arts including her role as music director for 10 years at her church St. Fabian’s before retiring and moving to Rogers City. She held a position on the board of directors for the Tuskegee Airmen, and formed the Corporation Consortium for the Arts working with heads of corporations in Southfield to enable employees to view and enjoy all forms of art in their workplace. She mentored many young people in the field of the arts. In her retirement years, Marlowe continued to be an active volunteer and was one of three key founders of the United Communities Foundation in 2004, serving Presque Isle County supporting arts, education, and culture. She was quoted many years ago upon retirement, “I would like to continue in consulting and aiding young artists and aiding arts agencies to establish an organization in their community. It says the people are committed to the finer things in life and in quality of life. It’s been an interesting life”. Her two adult children, Brian Belanger and Anne Belanger continue her legacy and talents in the field of the arts. Brian is a composer and Emmy Award winning Director and Composer, and Anne is a successful Grant writer and Program Director for Presque Isle District Library and Emmy Award-winning Producer and active community volunteer.Marlowe’s talents served her well but she is best remembered for her unconditional love of family and generous in giving spirit. Her devotion to family and love of life was immeasurable. She loved to travel and — in her retirement years — she traveled with her daughter and two golden retrievers, taking trips out west along the back roads and roads less traveled. She celebrated life everyday enjoying the simple joys and abundance of nature that surrounded her in northern Michigan. Well done Marlowe. Well done.Friends may visit at the Beck Funeral Home on Friday from 3-8 p.m. with rosary at 6:30 followed by the parish wake service at 7 p.m. Visitation will resume on Saturday at St. Ignatius Catholic Church from 9 a.m. until time of Mass at 10 a.m. with Fr. Arthur Duchnowicz and Fr. Thomas Belanger officiating. Interment will take place at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery.Memorials may directed to the Belanger Family for a charity to be decided on at a later date.Online condolences may be addressed to www.beckfuneralhome.org.